Weight Loss for Post Menopausal Women
A program for weight loss for post menopausal women does not differ much from a weight loss program for the pre-menopause years. The same principles apply. The bottom line is that weight loss is a matter of expending more calories than you intake. This applies at any age. But there are certain dietary requirements to maintain good health after menopause.
Menopause is a special time for a woman. It is an end and a beginning. Most women see it as a fulfilling time not burdened by the problems of a menstrual cycle and an opportunity to pay attention to her physical needs. It is not unusual to see a woman get serious about losing weight at this time. It probably is partly due to the fact that the kids are grown and gone, and now there is time to really consider how she wants to feel physically for the next years. Weight loss for post menopausal women must take into consideration that there are hormonal and metabolic changes occurring.
Women who want to lose weight after menopause should follow the same rules for healthy weight loss with the addition of a few components. A post menopausal diet should include supplements to increase the calcium intake. Women after 50 are more likely to experience bone loss. Weight bearing exercises will also significantly reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis. This makes vigorous walking very beneficial if the woman is not used to doing strenuous exercising. Not only do you prevent bone loss, you will lose weight from burning more calories. Start walking 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week and weight will be lost simply because you are using more calories.
It is important to understand when talking about weight loss for post menopausal women that it is never too late to start exercising. Even if you have never exercised in your life, you can begin at any age. After menopause, women are more susceptible to developing heart disease and high blood pressure. Coupled with weight gain, the combination can quickly become dangerous to health. Weight loss should be achieved through reducing calorie intake and increasing the amount of exercise. The top dietary needs for women after menopause include requirements for additional B-vitamins, calcium (as mentioned earlier), antioxidant foods, fiber and vitamin D. The diet itself should include a healthy eating style that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. As the metabolic rate slows with aging, a woman will experience creeping weight gain unless the calorie intake is not adjusted to the level of activity. It is important to understand the weight loss for post menopausal women can be achieved through exercise. There are really no limitations on exercise levels. Any limits are determined by current physical conditioning.
As women get older, many tend to get less active, which only makes weight gain more likely. Weight loss for post menopausal women just requires a lot of good common sense and a determination to be fit. Even women in their 90's can benefit from controlled calorie intake and increased exercise levels.
